“… I’d trade all my tomorrows, for a single yesterday …”
Morris (Maurice Walter Joseph) Dubois died on April 15, 2022. He is survived by his husband, Rick; sisters-in-law Arlene and Karen; brother-in-law Allan; brothers Victor and Aime; cousin Anita; and nieces Joanne, Kelly and Kimberly. He was predeceased by his father (Alfred), mother (Yvonne), sisters (Lorraine and Florence) and brothers (Benny, Denis, Norman and Robert).
Morris was born on January 21, 1948 in the hamlet of St. Claude, Manitoba, the youngest of 9 siblings. As a child, the family followed his father’s army postings to Chilliwack and Agassiz. They eventually settled in Winnipeg’s North End, where Morris attended Holy Ghost School.
Morris was never “in the closet” and identified as gay starting in his teenage years, a remarkable testament to his inner strength given the times and milieu in which he lived. During this time he worked in a local restaurant and became an elevator operator/bell boy at the Empire Hotel.
Around the age of 20, Morris moved to Toronto, where he founded “Pick-a-Pocket Book Shop” on Roncesvalles Avenue. The store was a local institution for the next 37 years.
On a cold, November night in 1978, in Toronto’s notorious “St. Charles Tavern”, Morris met Rick. For both, it was love at first sight and they were inseparable for over 43 years.
Morris was a lover of Christmas and well-known for lavishly decorating his store and apartment. He prepared Christmas Eve buffets and Christmas dinners which were the highlight of his Christmas season and highly anticipated by friends.
In 2006, Morris and Rick retired to Vancouver. Together they enjoyed long walks around the city, spending time on Wreck Beach, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and travelling around British Columbia. Morris was a great fan of road trips; the destination was secondary but he was always interested in what was around the next corner. He was particularly fond of the Crowsnest Highway across southern B.C.
On August 11, 2021 Morris and Rick were legally married, in a small but joyous celebration.
Sadly, Morris was diagnosed with cancer early in 2022. After battling the disease, he chose to end his life as he had lived it, on his own terms. He had a medically assisted death in his favourite chair at home, with Rick by his side.
Morris’ good nature, humour, thoughtfulness and generosity will be greatly missed by family and friends.
At Morris’ request there will be no visitation, service or wake. He was cremated and his ashes will be spread at some of his favourite spots.
Morris was a lover of horses so donations to the Horse Protection Society of B.C. (www.horseprotectionsocietyofbc.com/support-hps) or the Second Chance Cheekye Ranch (www.secondchancecheekyeranch.com/) are welcome.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Morris Dubois January 21 1948 April 15 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique